Homoeopathy and you
Tension headaches
By Dr. Vikas Sharma
The Tribune
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Rajeev, a project manager in a software development
company, had just entered his 38th year of his life and
was nearing the completion of an important project
assigned by the company. He knew that this could be a
major turning point in his career if he could complete
the project successfully and in time. So, both physically
and mentally he started over-stretching his limits. Soon
he was showing signs of it -- by evenings a dull aching
pain would start at the base of the neck and very soon
would engulf the whole head. At times it would grow so
worse that Rajeev was left with no other choice than to
retire from work. His physician told him that he was
suffering from tension headaches which were a direct
result of the excessive physical and mental stress that
he was undergoing.
Of all the types of headaches, the tension type is the
most common. About 80 per cent people who suffer frequent
headaches are victims of tension headaches. In most
cases, tension headache is a dull, steady ache or a
feeling of tightness or pressure on both sides of the
head. The symptoms may be felt in the back of the neck
and the head, in the temples, or as if there were a too
tight band circling the forehead.
Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and
scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a
response to stress, depression or anxiety. Any activity
that causes the head to be held in one position for a
long time without moving can cause such headaches. Such
activities include typing or the use of computers, fine
work with the hands, and the use of a microscope.
Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an
abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache.
Other causes include eye-strain, fatigue, alcohol use,
excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus
infection, nasal congestion, over-exertion, colds and
influenza. Tension headaches are not associated with
structural lesions in the brain.
The writer is a Chandigarh-based homoeopath.
What can be done?
The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent future
headaches. Prevention is the best treatment. If possible,
remove or control precipitating factors.
Kali Phos
When an overworked mind or body forms a reason for
headaches, homoeopathic medicine Kali phos can be of
great help. Conditions arising out of mental and physical
fatigue are wonderfully improved by it. Homoeopathic
medicines Guaiacum and Gelsemium are of great help when
straining and over-exertion of neck muscles is involved
Avoid stress
As stress is the prime culprit in such headaches, try and
avoid stress. Learn and practice stress management
strategies. Practise Pranayam. Pranayam is a set of
rhythmic breathing exercises in Yog that helps in
harmonising the body and releasing stress.
Maintain the biorhythm
Biorhythm is an inherent rhythm that appears to control
or initiate various biological processes, sleep, hunger,
etc. Avoid changing your natural body-rhythms.
Adjust accordingly
There may be 24 hours in a day, but your mood and energy
level can't keep up with the clock all day. By adjusting
your routine slightly you may be able to eliminate some
of the stress from your life. For example, save routine
tasks for periods when your energy is at its lowest
point. Peak hours should be left for more demanding or
enjoyable projects.
Exercise regularly
Use good posture when reading, working, or doing other
activities that may cause headache. Exercise the neck and
shoulders frequently when typing, working on computers,
or doing stressful work. Adequate sleep and rest or
massage of sore muscles can help reduce the chance of a
headache.
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